Input device for vehicle

Abstract

To provide an input device for a vehicle which can comfortably and intuitively control an on-vehicle device.SOLUTION: Display regions 32R, 33R, 35R, 32L, 33L and 35L where a predetermined image is displayed are provided in front of a cabin, and a touch sensor is provided in the display region. When a slide operation of sliding the image in the display region is detected on the basis of a signal received from the touch sensor, the signal in response to the slide operation is output to an on-vehicle device. The image is moved in the display region in response to the slide operation, and accordingly an occupant can intuitively control the on-vehicle device while viewing the position of the image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure equipped with a display unit that protrudes from the instrument panel toward the steering wheel. In particular, Patent Document 1 describes that the vehicle functions can be controlled by performing touch input while information related to the vehicle functions is displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0326851 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, the changed information is displayed in a part other than the part touched by the occupant's touch operation, so there is room for improvement in terms of intuitively understanding the change status of the in-vehicle device.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an input device for a vehicle that allows a user to comfortably and intuitively control an in-vehicle device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle input device of claim 1 is provided in a front portion of a vehicle cabin, and includes a display area in which a predetermined image is displayed and in which a touch sensor is provided, and when a sliding motion of sliding the image within the display area is detected based on a signal received from the touch sensor, a signal corresponding to the sliding motion is output, and the image is moved within the display area in accordance with the sliding motion.

[0007] The vehicle input device according to claim 1 includes a display area in which a predetermined image is displayed at the front of the vehicle cabin, and a touch sensor is provided in the display area. When the vehicle input device detects a sliding motion of sliding the image within the display area based on a signal received from the touch sensor, the vehicle input device outputs a signal corresponding to the sliding motion to an in-vehicle device. Since the image moves within the display area in response to the sliding motion, an occupant can intuitively control the in-vehicle device while viewing the position of the image.

[0008] The vehicle input device according to claim 2 is the same as claim 1, in which the display area is disposed between a steering wheel and an instrument panel.

[0009] The vehicle input device according to claim 2 is easier for the occupant to operate than a configuration in which a display area is provided on an instrument panel.

[0010] The vehicle input device of claim 3 is similar to claim 2, in that the display area is provided on a plate-shaped right side display portion extending to the right side of the vehicle beyond the steering wheel with the vehicle fore-and-aft direction being the thickness direction, and a plate-shaped left side display portion extending to the left side of the vehicle beyond the steering wheel, and finger hook portions are provided on the surfaces of the right side display portion and the left side display portion opposite the display area.

[0011] In the vehicle input device according to claim 3, the display area can be operated while a finger is placed on the finger rest, thereby improving operability.

[0012] The vehicle input device of claim 4 is in accordance with claim 2, wherein the display area is arranged from the outside to the inside of the steering wheel when viewed from the rear of the vehicle, and operation items that are operated relatively frequently are displayed in the area of ​​the display area on the outside of the steering wheel, and operation items that are operated relatively infrequently are displayed in the area of ​​the display area on the inside of the steering wheel.

[0013] In the vehicle input device according to claim 4, the operation items that are frequently operated are displayed in a position that is easy for the occupant to operate, thereby improving comfort.

[0014] The vehicle input device according to claim 5 is the device of claim 2, in which information about an in-vehicle device relating to vehicle travel is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is outside the steering column in the vehicle width direction.

[0015] In the vehicle input device of claim 5, information from on-board equipment related to vehicle driving is displayed in an area outside the column portion in the vehicle width direction, i.e., on the opposite side to the passenger seat, thereby preventing the passenger in the passenger seat from operating the device by mistake.

[0016] The vehicle input device according to claim 6 is the device of claim 2, wherein information of an in-vehicle device other than information related to vehicle driving is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is more inward in the vehicle width direction than a column portion of the steering wheel.

[0017] In the vehicle input device according to claim 6, by displaying information of the in-vehicle device other than information related to the vehicle's running on the passenger seat side, even a passenger in the passenger seat can easily operate it.

[0018] The vehicle input device according to claim 7 is the same as claim 5, in which information related to the current shift position of the vehicle is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is outside the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction, and the information is toned down while the vehicle is moving compared to when the vehicle is stopped.

[0019] In the vehicle input device according to claim 7, the display is toned down while driving, thereby reducing the annoyance caused by the display. That is, since the display area is closer to the occupant than the instrument panel, it is easier for the occupant to see than if it were displayed on the instrument panel, but if the occupant does not look at the display area, it may be annoyed. Therefore, by displaying the display in a toned down tone while driving, it is possible to reduce the annoyance felt by the occupant.

[0020] The vehicle input device of claim 8 is, in claim 7, characterized in that when the vehicle is traveling in a driving assistance mode in which accelerator operation and steering are performed automatically, content related to setting the distance from the vehicle ahead is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is outside the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction.

[0021] In the vehicle input device according to claim 8, the vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle can be easily changed while driving in the driving mode. The "driving assistance mode" here is a concept including an automatic driving mode in which the occupant does not need to pay attention to the surrounding situation. Also, the "driving assistance mode" is a concept that broadly includes a driving assistance mode in which the occupant is obliged to hold the steering wheel.

[0022] The vehicle input device according to claim 9 is the device of claim 8, wherein when the driving assistance mode is switched to manual driving, the content of the display area is switched to content related to a shift position.

[0023] In the vehicle input device according to claim 9, the display contents are automatically changed between the driving assistance mode and the manual driving mode, thereby improving convenience. Effect of the Invention

[0024] As described above, the vehicle input device according to the present invention makes it possible to control an in-vehicle device comfortably and intuitively. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a driver's seat and its periphery of a vehicle to which a vehicle input device according to an embodiment is applied, viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the driver's seat and its surroundings viewed from diagonally above and behind. [Diagram 3] 2 is an enlarged view of a main portion of the vehicle input device according to the embodiment, seen from the rear side of the vehicle, illustrating a state in which the vehicle is traveling in a manual driving mode. FIG. [Figure 4]2 is an enlarged view of a main portion of the vehicle input device according to the embodiment, seen from the rear side of the vehicle, illustrating a state in which the vehicle is traveling in a driving assistance mode. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a vehicle input device according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle input device according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a display process of the vehicle input device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle input device according to a modified example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] A steering module 10 including a vehicle input device 14 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the arrows FR, UP, and LH in each drawing indicate the front side, upper side, and left side of the vehicle, respectively. When describing using the directions of front-rear, left-right, top-bottom, and bottom-top, they refer to front-rear in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, left-right in the width direction of the vehicle, and top-bottom in the top-bottom direction of the vehicle, unless otherwise specified.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, an instrument panel 16 is provided at the front of the passenger compartment of a vehicle V. The instrument panel 16 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering wheel 12 is provided on the left side of the instrument panel 16. That is, in this embodiment, as an example, a left-hand drive vehicle in which the steering wheel 12 is provided on the left side, and the driver's seat is set on the left side of the vehicle, but this is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a right-hand drive vehicle in which the steering wheel 12 is provided on the right side of the vehicle.

[0028] A windshield glass 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 16. The windshield glass 18 extends in the vertical direction and the width direction of the vehicle, and separates the inside and outside of the vehicle compartment.

[0029] The left end of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to a front pillar 20 on the left side of the vehicle. The front pillar 20 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the inner end of the front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction.

[0030] A vehicle seat 22 is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the instrument panel 16. The vehicle seat 22 is a driver's seat where an occupant sits. The vehicle V according to this embodiment is configured to be switchable between an automatic driving mode in which the vehicle travels without the occupant performing driving operations, and a manual driving mode, and is configured to be allowed to transition to the automatic driving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the manual driving mode. Here, a steering module 10 is provided in front of the vehicle seat 22.

[0031] (Steering module 10) Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the driver's seat and its surroundings viewed from diagonally above and behind. As shown in Fig. 2, the steering module 10 includes a steering wheel 12 that is held by an occupant for steering and a vehicle input device 14 (hereinafter, may be referred to as "input device 14" as appropriate). The input device 14 also functions as a display device that displays information to the occupant.

[0032] The steering module 10 includes a module base 26 attached to the instrument panel 16. The module base 26 is formed in a shape that narrows from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle in a plan view, and the front end of the module base 26 is fixed to the upper surface of the instrument panel 16.

[0033] A column section 24 constituting the steering wheel 12 is provided at the center in the vehicle width direction at the rear end of the module base 26. Input devices 14 are provided at both ends in the vehicle width direction at the rear end of the module base 26. The input devices 14 are disposed between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16, and display information to the occupant.

[0034] (Steering 12) The steering wheel 12 includes a column portion 24, a base portion 40, a right grip portion 42R, a left grip portion 42L, a connecting portion 44, an upper right side portion 46R, and an upper left side portion 46L.

[0035] The column portion 24 protrudes from the instrument panel 16 toward the rear of the vehicle via a module base 26. A sensor (not shown) capable of detecting an occupant is provided at the tip of the column portion 24. The sensor includes a sensor that detects the entire face of the occupant, a sensor that detects the pupils, a sensor that detects the line of sight, a sensor that detects the posture, and the like.

[0036] In addition, a ventilation hole (not shown) capable of blowing air toward the rear of the vehicle is provided at the tip of the column portion 24. For example, an air conditioner is provided forward of the instrument panel 16, and air temperature-adjusted by the air conditioner passes through the inside of the column portion 24 and is blown from the ventilation hole to the driver's seat. In this way, by providing the ventilation hole at the tip of the column portion 24, it is not necessary to place a register on the instrument panel 16, and the degree of freedom in designing the interior of the vehicle is improved. In addition, air can be blown closer to the occupants than when air is blown from the instrument panel 16.

[0037] In this embodiment, as an example, the column portion 24 is configured to be swingable in the vertical direction relative to the module base 26. In other words, the main body portion 30 is configured to be able to adjust its position in the vertical direction independently of the steering wheel 12.

[0038] A base portion 40 is provided on the column portion 24. The base portion 40 extends in the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle width direction, and is rotatably attached to a portion between the base end and the tip end of the column portion 24.

[0039] A right grip portion 42R that can be held by an occupant is disposed on the right side of the base portion 40, and a left grip portion 42L that can be held by an occupant is disposed on the left side of the base portion 40. The right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L each extend along the vertical direction of the vehicle and are shaped symmetrically with respect to the center of the steering wheel 12.

[0040] The lower end of the base portion 40, the lower end of the right grip portion 42R, and the lower end of the left grip portion 42L are connected in the vehicle width direction by a connecting portion 44. The connecting portion 44 is an elongated member that is disposed below the column portion 24 and has the vehicle width direction as its longitudinal direction, and the central portion of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction is formed to be wider in the vehicle front-rear direction than both ends in the vehicle width direction.

[0041] Meanwhile, the center portion of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the lower end portion of the base portion 40. Note that a horn switch may be provided at the center portion of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction.

[0042] Both ends of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction are gently curved so as to be gradually positioned upward toward both sides in the vehicle width direction, and are formed integrally with the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L.

[0043] An upper right edge 46R is provided at the upper end of the right grip portion 42R. The upper right edge 46R includes a steering upper right portion 48R that extends diagonally leftward and forward from the upper end of the right grip portion 42R, and a right gaze guidance portion 50R that extends further forward from the end of the steering upper right portion 48R and is connected to the upper end of the base portion 40.

[0044] In addition, a left upper side portion 46L is provided at the upper end of the left grip portion 42L. The left upper side portion 46L includes a steering left upper portion 48L that extends obliquely to the right and front from the upper end of the left grip portion 42L, and a left gaze guidance portion 50L that extends further toward the front of the vehicle from the end of the steering left upper portion 48L and is connected to the upper end of the base portion 40.

[0045] Here, a gap is provided between the upper right side 46R and the left side display unit 30L, and the base end portion of the module base 26 can be seen through this gap. For this reason, a display unit such as a display may be provided in the region of the module base 26 between the upper right side 46R and the left side display unit 30L.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 3, two right steering switches 52R are provided on the upper right side 46R. The two right steering switches 52R are provided side by side on the surface of the steering wheel upper right part 48R facing the rear of the vehicle, and different functions are assigned to each of them. For example, the right steering switch 52R may be assigned functions such as a right turn signal, switching between low beam and high beam, and starting a voice input device.

[0047] On the other hand, two left steering switches 52L are provided on the upper left side 46L. The two left steering switches 52L are provided side by side on the surface of the steering left upper part 48L facing the rear of the vehicle, and different functions are assigned to each of them. For example, the left steering switch 52L may be assigned functions such as activating a left turn signal, windshield wipers, and active cruise control.

[0048] The steering module 10 of this embodiment is configured as described above, and the input device 14 and the steering wheel 12 are disposed apart from each other in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0049] (Vehicle input device 14) Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the steering module 10 as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 3, the input device 14 includes a main body 30. The main body 30 extends beyond the steering wheel 12 to both the left and right sides (both sides in the vehicle width direction), and is configured to display information on a surface facing the vehicle seat 22.

[0050] Specifically, the main body 30 includes a center portion 30C located in the center of the steering module 10 in the vehicle width direction, a right side display portion 30R arranged on the right side of the vehicle relative to the center of the steering module 10 in the vehicle width direction, and a left side display portion 30L arranged on the left side of the vehicle relative to the center of the steering module 10 in the vehicle width direction.

[0051] The right display unit 30R is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the thickness direction being the vehicle front-rear direction, is located in front of the right part of the steering wheel 12, and is inclined toward the rear of the vehicle as it moves toward the right side of the vehicle in a plan view. The left display unit 30L has a shape symmetrical to the right display unit 30R. That is, the left display unit 30L is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the thickness direction being the vehicle front-rear direction, is located in front of the left part of the steering wheel 12, and is inclined toward the rear of the vehicle as it moves toward the left side of the vehicle in a plan view.

[0052] Here, display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R are provided on the surface of the right display unit 30R facing the driver's seat toward the rear of the vehicle, where a predetermined image is displayed. Also, display areas 32L, 33L, and 35L are provided on the surface of the left display unit 30L facing the driver's seat toward the rear of the vehicle, where a predetermined image is displayed. Each display area will be described later.

[0053] 2, the surface of the right display unit 30R facing the front of the vehicle and the surface of the left display unit 30L facing the front of the vehicle are each provided with a finger hook 31. In this embodiment, as an example of the finger hook 31, a recess for hooking a finger is formed, and by hooking a finger in this recess, the operability of the input device 14 is improved.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, a right operation switch 34R and a left operation switch 34L are provided on the upper edge of the main body 30. The right operation switch 34R is provided on the upper edge of the right display unit 30R, and is formed in an elongated shape with the vehicle width direction as the longitudinal direction. The right operation switch 34R and the left operation switch 34L are preferably assigned functions that can be operated regardless of the information displayed on the input device 14. In this embodiment, as an example, the right operation switch 34R is assigned the function of a hazard lamp. Also, the left operation switch 34L is assigned the function of a high beam, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] Next, the display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R set in the right-side display section 30R and the display areas 32L, 33L, and 35L set in the left-side display section 30L will be described.

[0056] (Display items in manual operation mode) Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the input device 14 according to the embodiment, seen from the rear side of the vehicle, showing a state in which the vehicle is traveling in manual driving mode. As shown in Fig. 3, the display area 32R of the right display unit 30R is an area inside the column portion 24 of the steering wheel 12 in the vehicle width direction (on the right side of the vehicle), and is set at the rightmost end of the right display unit 30R. In addition, information on the in-vehicle devices other than information on the traveling of the vehicle V is displayed in the display area 32R.

[0057] In the present embodiment, as an example, the display area 32R displays operation items related to entertainment-related in-vehicle devices, such as music, television, radio, and video distribution services.

[0058] Here, the operation items displayed in the display area 32R can be operated by the occupant holding the right display unit 30R and tracing the finger (thumb) of the right hand in an up-down direction. Specifically, the selected item moves when the occupant slides the finger from top to bottom. Similarly, the selected item moves in the opposite direction when the occupant slides the finger from bottom to top.

[0059] On the left side of the display area 32R, the display area 33R and the display area 35R are set adjacent to the display area 32R. The display area 33R is located at the top and displays air conditioning-related operation items. For example, the amount and temperature of air blown from the air vents of each seat can be changed. The display area 35R is located at the bottom and displays information about the vehicle V. Other displays may be made in the display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R. The display areas 33R and 35R may extend to the left of the right grip portion 42R of the steering wheel 12. In this case, the right display unit 30R is disposed from the outside to the inside of the steering wheel 12 when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. It is preferable to display operation items that are operated relatively frequently in the area outside the steering wheel 12 on the right display unit 30R, and to display operation items that are operated relatively less frequently in the area inside the steering wheel 12 on the right display unit 30R.

[0060] A display area 36R is set on the left side of the vehicle (column unit 24 side) from the display area 33R and the display area 35R. The display area 36R may display items that do not need to be operated as operation items that are operated relatively infrequently. For example, the display area 36R may display items that do not need to be operated by the occupant, such as warning displays and SNS (Social Networking Service) messages, and may display items that are not operated while driving but are operated only when the vehicle is stopped. Thus, in this embodiment, as an example, the display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R are set on the outside of the steering wheel 12, and the display area 36R is set on the inside of the steering wheel 12. Note that a configuration may be provided with only the display area on the outside of the steering wheel 12.

[0061] On the other hand, the display area 32L of the left display unit 30L is an area outside the steering wheel 12 in the vehicle width direction (on the left side of the vehicle) and is set at the leftmost end of the left display unit 30L. In addition, information about on-board devices related to the traveling of the vehicle V is displayed in the display area 32L.

[0062] In the present embodiment, as an example, the display area 32L displays operation items related to the shift position. Specifically, operation items that allow the shift position to be switched between drive (forward) and reverse (reverse) are displayed.

[0063] Here, the operation items displayed in the display area 32L can be operated by the occupant holding the left display unit 30L and tracing the finger (thumb) of the left hand in an up-down direction when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, when the occupant slides his / her finger from top to bottom from the drive position, the selected item moves to reverse. Similarly, when the occupant slides his / her finger from bottom to top from the reverse position, the selected item moves to drive. Also, as an example in this embodiment, when the vehicle V is traveling, the display is toned down compared to when the vehicle V is stopped.

[0064] On the right side of the display area 32L, a display area 33L and a display area 35L are set adjacent to the display area 32L. The display area 33L is located at the top, and is configured to display operation items for switching driving modes. For example, the display area 33L is configured to allow the driving mode to be switched from an eco mode with low fuel consumption (low electricity consumption) to a sport mode with improved accelerator operability by operating the display area 33L.

[0065] The display area 35L is located at the bottom, and displays door operation items. Specifically, the display area 35L is configured so that the occupant can lock and unlock each door of the vehicle V by operating the display area 35L.

[0066] A display area 36L is set on the right side of the vehicle (toward the column section 24) of the display area 33L and the display area 35L. The display area 36L may display items that are not required to be operated as operation items that are operated relatively infrequently. For example, the display area 36L may display the same as the display area 36R. Thus, in this embodiment, as an example, the display areas 32L, 33L, and 35L are set on the outside of the steering wheel 12, and the display area 36L is set on the inside of the steering wheel 12. Note that a configuration may be provided with only the display area on the outside of the steering wheel 12.

[0067] (Display items in autonomous driving mode)

[0068] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the input device 14 according to the embodiment, seen from the rear side of the vehicle, showing a state in which the vehicle is traveling in the driving support mode. As shown in Fig. 4, the display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R of the right display unit 30R each display the same content as that shown in Fig. 3. The display areas 33L and 35L of the left display unit 30L also display the same content as that shown in Fig. 3.

[0069] The display area 32L of the left display unit 30L displays information related to setting the distance between the preceding vehicle and the vehicle itself. In this embodiment, as an example, an image of the preceding vehicle is displayed in the upper part of the display area 32L, and an image of the vehicle itself is displayed in the lower part of the display area 32L. The vehicle occupant is configured to be able to change the distance between the vehicles in response to the sliding motion by sliding the image of the vehicle itself up and down while holding the left display unit 30L.

[0070] (Hardware configuration of input device 14) 5, the input device 14 includes a control unit 60. The control unit 60 includes a CPU 62, a ROM 64, a RAM 66, a storage 68, a communication interface (communication I / F) 70, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 72. Each component is connected to each other via an internal bus 64 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0071] The CPU 62 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 62 reads out a program from the ROM 64 or the storage 68, and executes the program using the RAM 66 as a working area. The CPU 62 also controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program recorded in the ROM 64 or the storage 68.

[0072] The ROM 64 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 66 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 68 is a non-transitory recording medium configured with an HDD or SSD and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0073] The communication I / F 70 is an interface for communicating with a server and other devices, and uses standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0074] The input / output I / F 72 is connected to the right display unit 30R, the left display unit 30L, an air conditioner 74, and an automatic driving ECU (Electronic control unit) 76. A touch sensor TSR is provided on the right display unit 30R, and a touch sensor TSL is provided on the left display unit 30L. The touch sensor TSR is configured to be able to detect the position of a passenger's finger touching the right display unit 30R, and the touch sensor TSL is configured to be able to detect the position of a passenger's finger touching the left display unit 30L.

[0075] Connected to the automatic driving ECU 76 are a throttle ACT 78 that changes the throttle opening of the vehicle V, a brake ACT 80 that changes the braking force generated by the braking device of the vehicle V, and a steering ACT 82 that changes the steering amount by the steering device of the vehicle V. The automatic driving ECU 76 is an ECU that performs automatic driving processing to automatically drive the vehicle V without driving operations by the occupant.

[0076] (Functional configuration of input device 14) The input device 14 realizes various functions using the above hardware resources. The functional configuration realized by the input device 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0077] 6, the input device 14 includes, as functional components, a driving mode acquisition unit 84, a vehicle speed acquisition unit 86, a sliding motion detection unit 88, an image display unit 90, and an output unit 92. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 62 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 64 or the storage 68.

[0078] The driving mode acquisition unit 84 acquires the driving mode of the vehicle V. Specifically, when the vehicle V is being driven by an occupant, the driving mode acquisition unit 84 acquires the driving mode as the manual driving mode, and when the vehicle V is not being driven by an occupant, the driving mode acquisition unit 84 acquires the driving mode as the automatic driving mode. Note that when the driving assistance mode is operating, the driving mode acquisition unit 84 acquires the driving mode as the automatic driving mode.

[0079] The vehicle speed acquisition unit 86 acquires the speed of the vehicle V based on a signal from a speed sensor (not shown) mounted on the vehicle V.

[0080] The sliding motion detector 88 detects that a sliding motion has been performed on the right-side display portion 30R and the left-side display portion 30L.

[0081] The image display unit 90 displays a predetermined image on the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L. In the present embodiment, as an example, when the driving mode is the manual driving mode, the image display unit 90 displays an operation item related to the shift position in the display area 32L, and when the driving mode is the automatic driving mode, the image display unit 90 displays an operation item related to the following distance in the display area 32L.

[0082] Furthermore, when a sliding motion is detected, the image display unit 90 moves the image within the display area in response to the sliding motion. For example, in FIG. 3, the image simulating the vehicle itself displayed in the display area 32L is moved in response to the sliding motion. Specifically, the image is moved in the direction of the sliding motion by the distance the occupant slides their finger.

[0083] Furthermore, when the driving mode is switched from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode, the image display unit 90 switches the content of the display area to the content related to the shift position, that is, the state of FIG. 4 is changed to the state of FIG.

[0084] Furthermore, in the manual driving mode, when the vehicle speed is greater than 0, that is, when the vehicle is moving, the image display unit 90 tones down the display area 32L.

[0085] The output unit 92 outputs a signal according to the sliding motion. For example, in Fig. 3, when the image of the vehicle is moved to the R position by the sliding motion of the occupant, a signal for switching the shift position to reverse is output.

[0086] (action) Next, the operation of the input device 14 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0087] An example of the display process by the input device 14 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. The display process is executed by the CPU 62 reading out a display program from the ROM 64 or the storage 68, expanding it in the RAM 66, and executing it.

[0088] (An example of display processing) In step S102, the CPU 62 acquires the driving mode of the vehicle V. Specifically, the CPU 62 acquires, by the function of the driving mode acquisition unit 84, information on whether the driving mode is the manual driving mode or the automatic driving mode.

[0089] In step S104, the CPU 62 determines whether the driving mode is the autonomous driving mode. If the driving mode of the vehicle V is the autonomous driving mode, the CPU 62 proceeds to processing in step S106, and if the driving mode of the vehicle V is the manual driving mode, the CPU 62 proceeds to processing in step S108.

[0090] In step S106, the CPU 62 displays the following distance on the input device 14. Specifically, the CPU 62 uses the function of the image display unit 90 to display the contents related to the setting of the following distance between the preceding vehicle and the own vehicle, as in the display area 32L in Fig. 4, and then ends the display process.

[0091] On the other hand, when the vehicle V is traveling in the manual driving mode, the CPU 62 determines in step S108 whether or not the vehicle speed of the vehicle V is 0. Specifically, the CPU 62 acquires the vehicle speed of the vehicle V by the function of the vehicle speed acquisition unit 86, and if the vehicle speed is 0, that is, if the vehicle V is stopped, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the vehicle speed is not 0, that is, if the vehicle V is traveling, the process proceeds to step S112.

[0092] When the vehicle V is stopped, the CPU 62 displays information related to the shift position on the input device 14 in step S110. Specifically, the CPU 62 uses the function of the image display unit 90 to display content related to the first shift position, as in the display area 32L in FIG. 3. Then, the display process ends.

[0093] On the other hand, when the vehicle V is traveling, the CPU 62 displays the information related to the shift position on the input device 14 in a toned-down manner in step S112. Specifically, the CPU 62 uses the function of the image display unit 90 to display the information related to the shift position in a toned-down manner compared to the content displayed in the display area 32L in Fig. 3. Then, the display process ends.

[0094] As described above, the input device 14 of this embodiment includes the display areas 32R, 33R, 35R, 32L, 33L, and 35L in which predetermined images are displayed at the front of the vehicle cabin, and the touch sensors TSR and TSL are provided in these display areas. Furthermore, when the vehicle input device 14 detects a sliding action of sliding an image within the display area based on the signals received from the touch sensors TSR and TSL, it outputs a signal corresponding to the sliding action to the in-vehicle device. Here, the image moves within the display area in response to the sliding action, so that the occupant can intuitively control the in-vehicle device while watching the position of the image.

[0095] In particular, in this embodiment, the input device 14 is provided between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16, making it easier for the occupant to operate it compared to a configuration in which the instrument panel 16 has a display area.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, operability can be improved because the display area can be operated while hanging a finger on the finger hook 31. Furthermore, in this embodiment, comfort can be improved by displaying frequently operated operation items in a position that is easy for the occupant to operate.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by displaying information from on-board devices related to vehicle driving in an area to the left of the steering wheel 12, i.e., on the opposite side to the passenger seat, it is possible to prevent the passenger in the passenger seat from operating it erroneously.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, information about on-board devices other than those related to the driving of the vehicle V is displayed in the area to the right of the steering wheel 12, i.e., on the passenger seat side, so that even a passenger in the passenger seat can easily operate it.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display can be toned down while the vehicle V is traveling, thereby reducing the annoyance caused by the display.

[0100] Although the input device 14 according to the present embodiment has been described above, it is needless to say that the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a structure in which a recess for hanging a finger is formed is used as an example of the finger hook portion 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a structure of a modified example shown in FIG. 8 may be adopted.

[0101] (Modification) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a modified vehicular input device 14. As shown in Fig. 8, in this modified example, finger hook portions 31 are formed to protrude toward the front side of the vehicle from the front surface of the right-side display portion 30R and the front surface of the left-side display portion 30L, respectively.

[0102] In this modification, the passenger can place his / her finger on the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L without reducing their thickness. The shape of the finger hook 31 is not particularly limited. For example, the finger hook 31 may be formed in a substantially semicircular shape or a polygonal shape in a plan view.

[0103] Moreover, the display examples shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are merely examples, and other images may be displayed.

[0104] Regarding the above embodiment, the following notes are disclosed.

[0105] (Appendix 1) a display area provided at a front portion of a vehicle interior, on which a predetermined image is displayed and on which a touch sensor is provided; When a sliding motion of sliding the image within the display area is detected based on a signal received from the touch sensor, the vehicle input device outputs a signal corresponding to the sliding motion to an in-vehicle device and moves the image within the display area in accordance with the sliding motion. (Appendix 2) 2. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, wherein the display area is disposed between a steering wheel and an instrument panel. (Appendix 3) the display area is provided in a plate-shaped right-side display portion that extends beyond the steering wheel to the right side of the vehicle with the vehicle front-rear direction being the thickness direction, and a plate-shaped left-side display portion that extends beyond the steering wheel to the left side of the vehicle, The vehicle input device according to claim 2, wherein a finger hook portion is provided on a surface of the right-side display portion and the left-side display portion opposite to the display area. (Appendix 4) The display area is disposed from the outer side to the inner side of the steering wheel when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle, an operation item having a relatively high operation frequency is displayed in an area outside the steering wheel in the display area; 4. The vehicle input device according to claim 2, wherein an operation item that is operated relatively less frequently is displayed in an area inside the steering wheel in the display area. (Appendix 5) The vehicle input device according to any one of Supplementary Note 2 to Supplementary Note 4, wherein information about an in-vehicle device related to vehicle travel is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is outboard of the steering wheel in a vehicle width direction. (Appendix 6) The vehicle input device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein information about an in-vehicle device other than information about vehicle travel is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is more inward than the steering wheel in a vehicle width direction. (Appendix 7) 6. The vehicle input device according to claim 5, wherein an area of ​​the display area that is outboard of the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction displays information related to the current shift position of the vehicle, and the display is toned down while the vehicle is moving compared to when the vehicle is stopped. (Appendix 8) 8. The vehicle input device according to claim 7, wherein when the vehicle is traveling in a driving assistance mode in which accelerator operation and steering are performed automatically, information related to setting a distance from a preceding vehicle is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is outboard of the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction. (Appendix 9) 9. The vehicle input device according to claim 8, wherein when switching from the driving assistance mode to manual driving, the content of the display area is switched to content related to a shift position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 12 Steering 14 Vehicle input device 16 Instrument Panel 30R Right side display 30L Left side display 31 Finger rest 32R, 33R, 35R display area 32L, 33L, 35L display area TSR, TSL touch sensor

Claims

1. a display area provided at a front portion of a vehicle interior, on which a predetermined image is displayed and on which a touch sensor is provided; When a sliding motion of sliding the image within the display area is detected based on a signal received from the touch sensor, the vehicle input device outputs a signal corresponding to the sliding motion to an in-vehicle device and moves the image within the display area in accordance with the sliding motion.

2. The vehicle input device according to claim 1 , wherein the display area is disposed between a steering wheel and an instrument panel.

3. the display area is provided in a plate-shaped right-side display portion that extends beyond the steering wheel to the right side of the vehicle with the vehicle front-rear direction being the thickness direction, and a plate-shaped left-side display portion that extends beyond the steering wheel to the left side of the vehicle, The vehicle input device according to claim 2 , wherein a finger hook is provided on a surface of the right-side display portion and the left-side display portion opposite to the display area.

4. The display area is disposed from the outer side to the inner side of the steering wheel when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle, an operation item having a relatively high operation frequency is displayed in an area outside the steering wheel in the display area; The vehicle input device according to claim 2 , wherein operation items that are operated relatively less frequently are displayed in an area inside the steering wheel in the display area.

5. The vehicle input device according to claim 2 , wherein information about an in-vehicle device relating to vehicle travel is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is outboard of a column of the steering wheel in a vehicle width direction.

6. The vehicle input device according to claim 2 , wherein information about an in-vehicle device other than information about vehicle driving is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is located inward in a vehicle width direction from a column portion of the steering wheel.

7. 6. The vehicle input device according to claim 5, wherein an area of ​​the display area that is outboard of the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction displays information related to the current shift position of the vehicle, and the display is toned down while the vehicle is moving compared to when the vehicle is stopped.

8. 8. The vehicle input device according to claim 7, wherein when the vehicle is traveling in a driving assistance mode in which accelerator operation and steering are performed automatically, information related to setting a distance from a preceding vehicle is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is outboard of the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction.

9. The vehicle input device according to claim 8 , wherein the content of the display area is changed to content relating to a shift position when the driving assistance mode is switched to manual driving.

Images